Just had a chance to put our most recent safety addition to the test and must say it worked like a charm.

We have found that a waterproof handheld VHF carried on you has probably done as much to save lives as any other piece of safety gear. Although range is not as great as a 25W fixed VHF we find that safety agencies like ourselves and USCG have remote antennas which can receive handled signals from a great distance.

If you end up in the water or your electrical power is lost, a waterproof handheld can be the difference between life and dead and Gecko's communication setup is great, especially for all of us go fast RIBers. Check it out at http://www.geckoheadgear.co.uk/gmsh_comms.htm.

We have the helmet and headset attached to an Icom M72, which I think is the same as the M71 for the other side of the pond, combined with a life jacket with a pocket. Our swimmer actually used the setup to swim a tow line to the beach and direct our tow vessel once the line was attached. Other than the mic foam getting a little water logged comms were great, including while he was in the water.

Our usage is a little extreme but what a great setup for RIBS. The helmet is very comfortable and one size fits all, plus having the ability to hear a VHF while at speed is great. Safety and waterproof comms all in one package - another great product from the UK.

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Channel Watch Marine, Inc.
Vessel Assist Ventura